Caravelle/Kombi/Multivan help I'm lost

[Traceymum]

Looking around what I think I am wanting to optimise seating plus boot space (please correct me if I am wrong) is a 9 seater (3x3x3).

So what models do this? and what are my chances of actually finding one?

We are aiming for 6 kids. On occassion will need to have MIL in the car too, so will mostly only need 8 seats, but the 9th for odd occassions. Looked at a brand new multivan today it was so lovely.

[phaeton]

Caravelle LWB = 2-2-2-3 seating configuration.

Good Luck with your purchase

[Sharkie]

Caravelle LWB = 2-2-2-3 seating configuration.

Good Luck with your purchase

Actually Ben, its F=>R 2-3-2-2 and not much luggage space if you use all 9 seats. And the Caravelle is nowhere near as nice inside as the Multivan.

However the Multivan only comes in 7 seats unless you add an aftermarket 8th seat.

[Traceymum]

Thanks. I am pretty sure the new caravelle is F-R 2-2-2-3, I asked the dealer today if it could be 2-2-3-2 but he thinks the 3 seater can only be at the back. Didn't get him to check cause not like I was actually going to buy just dreaming some money falls on my lap LOL.

I will be looking at a used van. There is nowhere near enough dollars for new here. Was wondering if anyone new what model and years brought out the 3-3-3 configuration (I'm sure I saw one in my searching but cannot find it again)?

[GUV]

The 3 seat will go in any of the back three positions in the LWB Caravelle but you cannot put a 2 seat in the back position.

[Cousin]

Hi Tracey, I did notice a used Caravelle short while ago for sale which was a SWB with seating for nine. It had a double seat in the front (as well as the drivers) a triple seater in the rear middle (both the backs of the outside seats folded forwards giving you access to the rear) and another three seater in the back. I didn't pay too much attention to the rig, it wasn't what I was after, but if anyone knows where those middle three seaters are available, I'm sure one could be fitted to a Multivan too with the right base.
But don't forget if you went this direction, the extra seating would need an engineers certificate for rego purposes.

M

[melissa]

Tracey - look for a T4 Kombi - they came as 9 seaters and can be picked up fairly cheaply as they are not as luxurious as the Caravelles. I sold mine earlier this year for $17.5K with just over 100,000kms, owned from new with full service history every 5,000kms. They have no carpet which will suit you with kids perfectly.

[Traceymum]

Ah thanks heaps Melissa. Knowing what to look out for will be super helpful. I managed to find the thread with your kombi in it too yesterday I think. It was very nice.

mmm no carpet interesting, sounds cold, but yes easy to clean.

[melissa]

Not cold at all - excellent heaters and aircon in the front. I miss it

[flyingfridge]

T5 and T5GP LWB Caravelle is actually 2-2-2-3 OR 2-3-2 OR 2-2-3. You can move the seats around as you like but GUV is right, no 2 seat in the back. If you use all 9 seats there is stuff all boot space though. The best seats/boot space balance is actually a pre facelift T5 SWB 8 Seater. 3-2-3 plus room behind the back row.

Hope that helped!